Best Online Master’s in Computer Science for Non-CS Majors

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $686
Out-of-State | $686

Credits to Graduate: 32

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online master of computer science is delivered using Coursera's massive open online course (MOOC) platform. The curriculum provides training in core concepts such as artificial intelligence, database and information systems, security and privacy, and programming languages and software engineering. 

Illinois faculty assess and grade your work, just like they do for on-campus CS students. You have up to five years to complete the degree, allowing for continued employment. A flat tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Applicants without a CS degree will need to complete prerequisite coursework or related experience.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $180

Credits to Graduate: 30

Georgia Tech's online MS in computer science (OMSCS) provides a customizable curriculum. Enrollees can choose one of five specializations: computing systems, human-computer interaction, machine learning, interactive intelligence, and computational perception and robotics.

You'll enjoy additional flexibility with a generous number of 'free electives' allotted for other courses. Georgia Tech teams up with industry partners to deliver the OMSCS through MOOCs, ensuring accessibility and affordability. 

The program enrolls students with a bachelor's degree in CS or a related field, such as math or computer engineering. The department admits students with other majors on a case-by-case basis. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $947
Out-of-State | $2,057

Credits to Graduate: 31

Working professionals may want to consider North Carolina State University at Raleigh's master of computer science for its coursework-only curriculum. The degree requires no culminating thesis or comprehensive exam. 

Streamed video classes cover theory and systems coursework such as computer performance modeling, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Nationally respected faculty teach the courses, and you receive access to the same privileges as your on-campus peers.

Admission is open to students residing in the United States and military personnel serving overseas. Applicants must complete prerequisite computer science coursework. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $869
Out-of-State | $869

Credits to Graduate: 30

The University of North Dakota's MS in computer science teaches theoretical computer science concepts and their real-world applications. You'll attend an institution recognized for innovation in technology fields such as big data and autonomous systems.

The MS explores topics such as advanced software learning, machine learning, and high-performance computing and paradigms. The degree features thesis and non-thesis tracks, asynchronous learning, and optional synchronous classes for real-time interaction with faculty and peers. 

The program is among the most affordable in the region. Applicants without a CS degree may receive admission under provisional status.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,864
Out-of-State | $1,864

Credits to Graduate: 30

Stevens Institute of Technology's MS in computer science program produces software development leaders from one of the nation's top technological colleges. The program enrolls students who don't have a computer science background. You'll complete the program as part of an online cohort, interacting with a community of peers taught by renowned faculty.

Students in this program develop technical proficiency in software development, algorithm design and testing, and mobile application development and cloud computing. They also learn how to apply machine learning to solve real-world problems. Students pay a flat per-credit tuition rate.  Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and academic transcripts.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,456
Out-of-State | $1,456

Credits to Graduate: 45

Stanford University's MS in computer science gives learners maximum flexibility. You can enroll full-time or part-time and complete the degree online or on campus. The MS program provides training in fundamental computer science concepts and lets you choose one of nine specializations to deepen your knowledge.

You can complete the artificial intelligence, information management and analytics, and systems specializations entirely online. The other specializations require some campus attendance. 

All students, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency, pay the same flat per-credit tuition rate. Admission does not require a CS bachelor's degree, but applicants should have strong quantitative and analytical skills and complete prerequisite coursework. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,610
Out-of-State | $1,610

Credits to Graduate: 30

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's master of computer science online emphasizes theoretical and project-based learning. Enrollees supplement foundation and design core courses with electives chosen from one of four areas: cybersecurity, business intelligence, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or big data analytics and management.

The capstone project showcases your expertise in solving real-world problems. All enrollees pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Admission does not require a CS bachelor's degree, but applicants should have prerequisite math coursework and programming language experience such as Python or Java.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,424
Out-of-State | $2,424

Credits to Graduate: 32

The University of Southern California's MS in computer science is offered by one of the nation's top engineering schools. The MS combines coursework in broad CS subjects and specialized studies. Subjects covered include security systems, analysis of algorithms, applied cryptography, and software engineering.

You can complete the degree in 1.5-3 years, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time. All enrollees pay a flat per-credit tuition rate regardless of whether they live in California or out of state. Applicants without a CS bachelor's degree will need to complete prerequisite computer science and math coursework. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985

Credits to Graduate: 33

The MS in computer science at the University of Oklahoma produces CS experts in algorithms and data management. The fully online, 21-month curriculum emphasizes advanced theoretical concepts and applied theory.

You'll explore topics such as algorithm analysis, data mining, and blockchains and cryptocurrencies. Supervised independent study allows you to explore the literature and conduct research in computer science areas. 

Online students have access to career support staff and a global professional network of OU alumni. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, engineering, or a related discipline.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,712
Out-of-State | $1,712

Credits to Graduate: 32

Illinois Institute of Technology's MS in computer science emphasizes customization to meet the needs of working professionals. You can choose to complete a coursework-only, thesis, or master’s project track. You enjoy additional flexibility with full-time and part-time enrollment options, and the choice of a fully online or hybrid learning format. 

Illinois Tech’s Elevate program guarantees hands-on training through internships, research projects, study away, and career mentorship. The school's close proximity to Chicago’s tech industry places you close to many possible employment opportunities. Admission does not require a bachelor's in computer science, but applicants may need to complete prerequisite courses.